Student Pilot Was Airlifted to St. Louis Hospital for Treatment of Injuries

Posted on
February 9, 2018

(CENTRALIA)-A Cessna 172M four-seat one engine plane crashed while attempting to lift off at the Centralia Municipal Airport Thursday morning.

The Federal Aviation Administration, which is handling the investigation, indicated the aircraft stalled when attempting to depart the airport and crashed on airport property. External Communications officer Elizabeth Cory indicated the full investigation will take several weeks to complete and the preliminary information is subject to change.

Centralia Police Chief Brian Atchison says the only person in the plane was the pilot. The pilot was a student being trained by Airgo, which is the registered owner of the aircraft.

Centralia Fire Officials say the man was taken to SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital and later airlifted to a St. Louis Hospital. He appeared to have sustained head and leg injuries and possible internal injuries.

Centralia Police and Fire Officials along with State Police initially handled the accident scene until turning over the scene to the FAA.

Airgo officials at the airport are not releasing any information on the crash.